Locking adjustment knob for a sighting device

ABSTRACT

A locking turret knob includes an adjustment member, a first member, and a second member. The adjustment member is adjustably positionable about an axis of rotation. The first member is disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and has at least one engagement member. The second member is disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and has at least one engagement surface. The adjustment member is adjustably positionable about the axis of rotation when each engagement member does not engage an engagement surface. The adjustment member is locked in a selected position about the axis of rotation when at least one engagement member engages an engagement surface. The adjustment member can be coupled to an adjuster of an optical enhancement device, such as a telescopic sight, a telescope or a microscope.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/720,428, filed May 29, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,006,429, which is a national phase entry of International Application No. PCT/US2005/043336, filed Nov. 30, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/632,331, filed Nov. 30, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/638,561, filed Dec. 22, 2004. The entire teachings of each of the above applications are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an optical enhancing device, such as a telescopic observation sighting device or individual shoulder (or hand-fired) firearms sighting device (telescopic sight herein). Embodiments described herein may also be used with any optical enhancing device containing adjusters, such as a microscope, telescope, etc. For purposes of illustration, it will be assumed herein that the optical enhancing device is a telescopic sight.

A telescopic sight, typically used to aim a firearm, is usually mounted on the firearm. An adjustment knob on a telescopic sight is typically used for changing a setting of an adjuster that may change the adjustment of, for example, elevation, crossrange (also “windage” herein), or parallax of the telescopic sight. Parameters such as elevation, crossrange, and parallax, may be painstakingly set in order that the firearm hit a specific target. Once set for a particular target, the setting preferably remains unchanged until after a shot is fired.

Existing telescopic sighting systems for civilian, law enforcement, and military firearms typically utilize one or more of three types of adjustment knobs. The first type of adjustment knob, termed a “hunting style” knob, utilizes a cover cap that must be removed prior to adjustment of the sight and replaced after adjustment of the sight to protect the adjustment member of the knob from unintentional adjustment. An advantage of this style of adjustment knob is that it is protected from moisture due to the protection provided by the cover cap. A disadvantage of this type of adjustment knob is that for each adjustment, the cap must be removed and replaced, thereby creating a potential for cap loss.

The second type of adjustment knob is termed a “target style” knob, and is accessible for adjustment at all times. An advantage of this type of adjustment knob is that it is accessible for adjustment at all times without the necessity of removing and replacing a cover cap. A disadvantage is that the adjustment knob can be inadvertently rotated by accidental physical contact.

The third type of adjustment knob is a variation of the “target style” adjustment knob and is a replacement knob used in lieu of the “hunting style” turret knob protective cap. This style of adjustment knob provides a “target style” function, should a marksman choose its use. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of adjustment knob are the same as for the “target style” knob.

What is needed is an adjustment knob that is mechanically lockable, and can be unlocked by an operator when a change in setting is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one embodiment, an adjustment knob is mechanically lockable and can be unlocked by an operator when a change in setting is desired. In particular, a locking turret knob may include an adjustment member, a first member, and a second member. The adjustment member is adjustably positionable about an axis of rotation. The first member is disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and has at least one engagement member. The second member is disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and has at least one engagement surface. The adjustment member is adjustably positionable about the axis of rotation when each engagement member does not engage an engagement surface, and the adjustment member is locked in a selected position about the axis of rotation when at least one engagement member engages an engagement surface. The adjustment member can be coupled to an adjuster of an optical enhancement device, such as a telescopic sight, a telescope or a microscope. A change in the selected position of the adjustment member produces a change in an adjustment setting of the adjuster of the optical enhancement device.

In one embodiment, the first member is fixably coupled to the adjustment member. In another embodiment, the second member is fixably coupled to the adjustment member.

The at least one engagement surface may be an aperture and the at least one engagement member may be a protuberance, such as a pin member, that engages the aperture. In another embodiment, the at least one engagement surface is part of a spline structure. For example, the at least one engagement member can be part of a spline structure that engages the engagement surface of another spline structure. As another example, at least one engagement member can be a protuberance that engages the engagement surface of another spline structure.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment member becomes unlocked in response to application of a force and is adjustably positionable to a newly selected position about the axis of rotation. Accordingly, the adjustment member becomes locked in the newly selected position about the axis of rotation in response to removal of the force.

A locking selection member may be coupled to the first member. The locking selection member is responsive to a force, such as a pulling force or a pushing force, applied to the locking selection member by causing each engagement member of the first member to disengage each engagement surface of the second member. When the force is removed or another force is applied, the locking selection member enables each engagement member of the first member to engage a corresponding engagement surface of the second member. One alternative embodiment provides that the force rotates the locking selection member when the force is applied in a first rotational direction. Accordingly, when the force is removed and when a second force that is applied to the locking selection member in a second rotational direction, the locking selection member enables at least one engagement member of the first member to engage a corresponding engagement surface of the second member.

A method of manufacturing a locking turret knob may include providing an adjustment member adjustably positionable about an axis of rotation, providing a first member disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and having at least one engagement member; and providing a second member disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and having at least one engagement surface, such that the adjustment member is adjustably positionable about the axis of rotation when each engagement member does not engage an engagement surface, and the adjustment member being locked in a selected position about the axis of rotation when at least one engagement member engages an engagement surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by limitation in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of one example of a locking pin turret knob assembly in an engaged, or locked, configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the locking pin turret knob assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a disengaged, or unlocked, configuration;

FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of one example of a locking spline turret knob assembly in an engaged, or locked, configuration;

FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of the locking spline turret knob assembly shown in FIG. 3 in a disengaged, or unlocked, configuration;

FIG. 5A shows a side cross-sectional view of one example of a cam-actuated locking turret knob assembly in an engaged, or locked, configuration;

FIG. 5B shows a side cross-sectional view the cam-actuated locking turret knob assembly of FIG. 5A in an unengaged, or unlocked, configuration;

FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of the turret knob shown in FIG. 5A taken along line 6A-6A in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6B shows a top view of the turret knob of FIG. 5A showing detail of a locking selector thereof;

FIG. 6C shows a side view of the locking selector shown in FIG. 6B with other components of the locking turret knob omitted for clarity;

FIG. 6D shows a cross-sectional view of the locking selector shown in FIG. 6C taken along line 6D-6D in FIG. 6C;

FIG. 7A shows a side cross-sectional view of one example of a locking turret knob assembly in an engaged, or locked, configuration;

FIG. 7B shows a side cross-sectional view of the locking turret knob assembly of FIG. 7A in an unengaged, or unlocked, configuration;

FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view of one example of a push/pull locking selector that can be used with the locking turret knob shown in FIG. 7A with respect to one example of a locking ratchet ring;

FIG. 8B shows a top view of the push/pull locking selector of FIG. 8A and one example of a locking turret knob assembly;

FIG. 8C shows a side view of the push/pull locking selector shown in FIG. 8A with certain other components of the locking turret knob omitted for clarity;

FIG. 8D shows a cross-sectional view of the push/pull locking selector shown in FIG. 8C taken along line 8D-8D in FIG. 8C;

FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of the locking turret knob of in FIG. 7A taken at line 9A-9A in FIG. 7A, showing detail of a push unlock selector;

FIG. 9B shows a top view of the push unlocking selector shown in FIG. 9A and one example of a locking turret knob assembly;

FIG. 9C shows a side view of the push unlocking selector shown in FIG. 9A with certain other components of the locking turret knob omitted for clarity;

FIG. 9D shows a cross-sectional view of the push unlocking selector shown in FIG. 9C taken along line 9D-9D in FIG. 9C; and

FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram for making a locking turret knob according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment, an adjustment knob is provided for an optical setting, such as elevation, windage, parallax, or illuminated reticle power control of an optical-based instrument, such as a telescopic sighting system, a telescope or a microscope, that is mechanically lockable and weather proof, thereby eliminating inadvertent adjustment of an optical setting by accidental physical contact. Accordingly, the user may mechanically unlock the adjustment knob to make a desired adjustment of an optical or power setting. Thus, optical or power settings made by a user are reliably maintained regardless of the environmental conditions or whether the adjustment knob is accidentally touched.

FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of one example of a locking pin turret knob assembly 100 in an engaged, or locked, configuration. FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the locking pin turret knob assembly 100 in a disengaged, or unlocked, configuration.

Locking pin turret knob assembly 100 includes a turret plate base 101, an adjustment nut assembly 102 having a lower section 102 a and an upper section 102 b, a spade screw 103, a spur ring 104, a locking ring 105, a plurality of locking ring splines 106, an index ring 107, a plurality of locking pins 108, a spring member 110 and a turret assembly nut 109. Turret base plate 101 is fixedly attached to, for example, a telescopic sight or other optical enhancing device (not shown). The lower section of adjustment nut assembly 102 a fits inside an aperture (not indicated for clarity) that is formed in and passes through turret base plate 101. In particular, adjustment nut assembly lower section 102 a and upper section 102 b are held together by screws 111 in a manner that allows adjustment nut assembly 102 to be fixedly engaged with turret base plate 101 and freely rotate in the aperture formed in turret base plate 101 about an axis 112. Adjustment nut assembly 102 threadably engages the upper section of spade screw 103. The lower rectangular section of spade screw 103 passes through a slot in the body of the telescopic sight and mechanically engages an optical adjustor (not shown) of the telescopic sight.

Spur ring 104 fixedly fits around adjustment nut assembly upper section 102 b. Locking ring 105, which includes a plurality of locking ring splines 106, fixedly fits around turret base plate 101. Locking ring splines 106 define one or more spline valleys defining engagement surfaces. Index ring 107 fits onto spur ring 104 and around locking ring 105. A plurality of locking pins 108 are fixedly attached to index ring, engage apertures in spur ring 104 and engage locking ring splines 106 when index ring is fitted onto spur ring 104 and around locking ring 105. Turret assembly nut 109 threadably engages adjustment nut assembly upper section 102 b and forms a cavity 113 into which spring member 110 fits. That is, spring member 110 fits into cavity 113 between a top surface 114 of index ring 107 and an inner surface 115 of turret assembly nut 109.

When locking pin turret knob assembly 100 is in a locked configuration, locking pins 108 engage locking ring splines 106 of fixed locking ring 105 so that index ring 107, spur ring 104, assembly nut 109, and adjustment nut assembly 102 cannot be rotated around axis 112 and, consequently, spade screw 103 cannot adjust the corresponding optical adjustment of the telescopic sight.

FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of locking pin turret knob assembly 100 in a disengaged, or unlocked, configuration. By applying a force that moves index ring 107 along axis 112 in a direction 116 away from telescopic sight (i.e., pulling index ring 107 away from the telescopic sight), spring member 110 compresses within cavity 113 and locking pins 108 disengage locking ring splines 106. While in the unlocked configuration, fixed locking pins 108 of index ring 107 remain in engagement with the apertures of spur ring 104, and spur ring 104, which, in turn, is fixedly engaged with adjustment nut assembly 102. Index ring 107 can be rotated around axis 112, thereby also rotating spur ring 104, assembly nut 109, and adjustment nut assembly 102 around spade screw 103 which is fixed from rotation by the lower rectangular portion of the spade screw 103 passing through a slot in the telescopic sight body. Rotation of adjustment nut assembly 102 around spade screw 103 results in a linear movement of spade screw 103 and optical adjustment of the telescopic sight.

While FIGS. 1 and 2 show and have been described by making reference to a plurality of locking pins, it should be understood that only a single locking pin is needed. Additionally, while locking splines 106 have been described, it should be understood that a mechanical member having a plurality of apertures that engage locking pins 108 can alternatively be used. According to another embodiment, locking pins, which are fixedly attached to a structure corresponding to locking ring 105, could lockably and unlockably engage locking spline structures that are part of the index ring.

A marksman may calibrate the locking turret knob illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e., reorient the orientation of index ring 107 relative to adjustment nut assembly lower section 102 a, as follows: At a predetermined distance, the marksman adjusts an adjuster setting, e.g., elevation, windage or parallax, by unlocking locking pin turret knob 100, rotating locking turret knob index ring 107, and releasing index ring 107 to relock the adjuster. Turret assembly nut 109, detachably coupled (e.g., via screw threads between turret assembly nut 109 and adjustment nut assembly upper section 102 b) to adjustment nut assembly upper section 102 b, is then uncoupled from adjustment nut assembly upper section 102 b. Index ring 107 may then be pulled by the marksman away from the body of locking pin turret knob 100 so that locking pins 108 disengage from lock ring 105, thereby allowing the marksman to selectively orient index ring 107 without causing any adjustment of spade screw 103. Index ring 107 can then be zeroed (by rotating around its axis of rotation) so that, for example, a zero-point mark (not shown) on index ring 107 is aligned with an index mark (not shown) on turret base plate 101. Turret assembly nut 109 is then re-coupled and tightened to adjustment nut assembly upper section 102 b, which re-engages spring member 110. Index ring 107 is then biased toward adjustment nut assembly upper section 102 b, engaging locking pins 108 with the locking ring splines 106 of lock ring 105, thereby re-establishing the locked configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of one example of a locking spline turret knob assembly 300 in an engaged, or locked, configuration. FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of the locking spline turret knob assembly 300 in a disengaged, or unlocked, configuration.

Locking spline turret knob assembly 300 includes a turret base plate 301, an adjustment nut assembly 302 having a lower section 302 a and an upper section 302 b, a spade screw 303, an index ring 304, and a turret assembly nut 305. Turret base plate 301 is fixedly attached to, for example, a telescopic sight or other optical enhancing device (not shown). The lower section of adjustment nut assembly 302 a fits inside an aperture (not indicated for clarity) that is formed in and passes through turret base plate 301. In particular, adjustment nut assembly lower section 302 a and upper section 302 b are held together by screws 306 in a manner that allows adjustment nut assembly 302 to be fixedly engaged with turret base plate 301 and freely rotate in the aperture formed in turret base plate 301 about an axis 307. Adjustment nut assembly 302 threadably engages the upper section of spade screw 303. The lower rectangular section of spade screw 303 passes through a slot in the body the telescopic sight and mechanically engages an optical adjustor (not shown) of the telescopic sight.

Index ring 304 fits around adjustment nut assembly upper section 302 b and includes a plurality of mating splines 308 and a plurality of locking splines 310. Index ring mating splines 310 engage adjustment nut mating splines 308 of adjustment nut assembly upper section 302 b as index ring 304 fits around adjustment nut assembly upper section 302 b. Index ring locking splines lockably engage turret base plate locking splines 311 when locking turret knob assembly 300 is in the locked configuration. Turret assembly nut 305 threadably engages adjustment nut assembly upper section 302 b and forms a cavity 312 into which a spring member 313 fits. That is, spring member 313 fits into cavity 312 between a top surface 314 of index ring 304 and an inner surface 315 of turret assembly nut 305.

When locking pin turret knob assembly 300 is in a locked configuration, index ring locking splines 309 engage turret base plate locking splines 311 so that adjustment nut assembly 302, index ring 304, and turret assembly nut 305 cannot be rotated around axis 307 and, consequently, spade screw 303 cannot adjust the corresponding optical adjustment of the telescopic sight.

FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of locking pin turret knob assembly 300 in a disengaged, or unlocked, configuration. By applying a force that moves index ring 304 along axis 307 in a direction 316 away from telescopic sight (i.e., pulling index ring 304 away from the telescopic sight), spring member 313 compresses within cavity 312 and index ring locking splines 309 disengage turret base plate locking splines 311. While in the unlocked configuration, index ring mating splines 308 continue to engage adjustment nut assembly mating splines 310 of adjustment nut assembly upper section 302 b and thereby engage adjustment nut assembly 302. Index ring 304 can be rotated around axis 307, thereby also rotating, turret assembly nut 305, and adjustment nut assembly 302 around spade screw 303 which is fixed from rotation by the lower rectangular portion of the spade screw 303 passing through a slot in the telescopic sight body. Rotation of adjustment nut assembly 302 around spade screw 303 results in a linear movement of spade screw 303 and optical adjustment of the telescopic sight.

When adjustment is completed, the marksman releases index ring 304, and spring member 313 biases index ring 304 toward turret base plate 301, thereby returning locking turret knob assembly 300 to the locked configuration.

A marksman may calibrate locking turret knob assembly 300 depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, as follows. For a predetermined target distance, the marksman adjusts an adjuster setting, e.g., elevation, windage or parallax, by unlocking locking turret knob assembly 300, rotating index ring 304 for the desired calibration and then releasing the index ring 304 to relock locking turret knob assembly 300. Turret assembly nut 305, which is threadably coupled to adjustment nut assembly upper section 302 b, is unthreaded from adjustment nut assembly upper section 302 b, which releases spring member 313, thereby allowing index ring mating splines 308 to become disengaged from adjustment nut assembly mating splines 310. Index ring 304 can then be pulled by the marksman in the direction indicated by arrow 316, thus uncoupling index ring mating splines 308 from adjustment nut assembly mating splines 310. The marksman can then rotate index ring 304 to a desired calibration setting without causing any adjustment of spade screw 303. That is, index ring 304 can then be zeroed by rotating index ring so that a zero-point mark (not shown) on index ring 304 is aligned with an index mark (not shown) on turret base plate 301. Turret assembly nut 305 is then rethreaded and tightened onto adjustment nut assembly upper section 302 b, thereby enabling spring member 313 to bias index ring 304 toward adjustment nut assembly upper section 302 b. Index ring mating splines 308 re-engage with adjustment nut assembly mating splines 310 and index ring locking splines 309 re-engage with turret base plate locking splines 311, thereby re-establishing a locked configuration of locking turret knob assembly 300, such as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A shows a side cross-sectional view of one example of a cam-actuated locking turret knob assembly 500 in an engaged, or locked, configuration. FIG. 5B shows a side cross-sectional view the cam-actuated locking turret knob assembly of FIG. 5A in an unengaged, or unlocked, configuration. FIGS. 6A-6D show different views of a locking selector 505 that can be used with the cam-actuated locking turret knob assembly 500.

Cam-actuated locking turret knob assembly 500 includes a turret base plate 501 formed by a lower section 501 a and an upper section 501 b, an adjustment nut assembly 502, a spade screw 503, an index ring 504, a locking selector 505 and a locking ratchet ring 506. Turret base plate 501 is fixedly attached to, for example, a telescopic sight or other optical enhancing device (not shown). Adjustment nut assembly 502 fits inside an aperture (not indicated for clarity) that is formed in and passes through turret base plate 501. Adjustment nut assembly 502 is fixedly engaged with turret base plate 501 and is free to rotate in the aperture formed in turret base plate 501 about an axis 507. Adjustment nut assembly 502 threadably engages the upper section of spade screw 503. The lower rectangular section of spade screw 503 passes through a slot in the body of the telescopic sight and mechanically engages an optical adjustor (not shown) of the telescopic sight. Locking ratchet ring 506 is fixedly attached to turret base plate 501.

Index ring 504 fits around turret base plate 501 and is fixedly held to adjustment nut assembly 502 by a set screw 508. Locking selector 505 fits into an aperture formed in index ring 504 and engages locking ratchet ring 506 with a cam-actuated locking wedge pin 509. When cam-actuated locking wedge pin 509 is engaged with locking ratchet ring 506, locking turret knob assembly 500 is in locked position, as shown in FIG. 5A, thereby rendering index ring 504 unable to be rotated about axis of rotation 507. A spring-loaded ratchet pin 510 can also be optionally used so that when locking turret knob assembly 500 is unlocked (i.e., cam-actuated locking wedge pin 509 is disengaged from locking ratchet 506), an adjustment made by rotating locking turret knob assembly 500 will have a tactile feel. In the unlocked configuration, cam-actuated locking wedge pin 509 is disengaged from locking ratchet ring 506, and index ring 504 and adjustment nut assembly 502 can be rotated around axis 507, thereby rotating around spade screw 503 which is fixed from rotation by the lower rectangular portion of the spade screw 503 passing through a slot in the telescopic sight body. Rotation of adjustment assembly nut 502 around spade screw 503 results in a linear movement of spade screw 103 and optical adjustment of the telescopic sight.

FIGS. 6A-6D show different views of locking selector 505 that can be used with the cam-actuated locking turret knob assembly 500. In particular, FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of locking selector 505 with respect to locking ratchet ring 506. FIG. 6B shows a top view of locking selector 505 and locking turret knob assembly 500. FIG. 6C shows a side view of locking selector 505. FIG. 6D shows a cross-sectional view of locking selector 505 taken along line 6D-6D in FIG. 6C.

Locking selector 505 includes a selector knob 601, a selector shaft 602 and a cam surface 603. When a telescopic sight adjustment is desired, selector knob 601 is grasped and rotated around axis 507 (FIG. 5A) from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, cam surface 603 of a selector shaft 602 disengages cam-actuated locking wedge pin 509 from locking ratchet ring 506 and allows index ring 504 to be rotated about axis of rotation 507 (FIG. 5A).

Upon completion of an adjustment, locking selector 505 is then rotated by the marksman to the locked position. In the locked position, cam surface 603 of locking selector shaft 602 pushes outwardly on cam-actuated locking wedge pin 509 to engage cam-activated locking wedge pin 509 with grooves 511 (FIGS. 5A and 6A) of locking ratchet ring 506. Locking ratchet ring 506 is fixedly coupled to turret base plate 501, thereby preventing inadvertent adjustment of index ring 504 and spade screw 503.

FIG. 7A shows a side cross-sectional view of one example of a locking turret knob assembly 700 in an engaged, or locked, configuration. FIG. 7B shows a side cross-sectional view of the locking turret knob assembly of FIG. 7A in an unengaged, or unlocked, configuration. FIGS. 9A-9D show different views of a push-unlocking selector 705 that can be used with the locking turret knob assembly 700, shown in FIG. 7A.

Locking turret knob assembly 700 includes a turret base plate 701 formed by a lower section 701 a and an upper section 701 b, an adjustment nut assembly 702, a spade screw 703, an index ring 704, a push-unlocking selector 705 and a locking ratchet ring 706. Turret base plate 701 is fixedly attached to, for example, a telescopic sight or other optical enhancing device (not shown). Adjustment nut assembly 702 fits inside an aperture (not indicated for clarity) that is formed in and passes through turret base plate 701. Adjustment nut assembly 702 is fixedly engaged with turret base plate 701 and is free to rotate in the aperture formed in turret base plate 701 about an axis 707. Adjustment nut assembly 702 threadably engages the upper section of spade screw 703. The lower rectangular section of spade screw 703 passes through a slot in the body of the telescopic sight and mechanically engages an optical adjustor (not shown) of the telescopic sight. Locking ratchet ring 706 is fixedly attached to turret base plate 701.

Index ring 704 fits around turret base plate 701 and is fixedly held to adjustment nut assembly 702 by a set screw 708. Index ring 704 also engages locking ratchet ring 706. Push-unlocking selector 705 fits into an aperture formed in index ring 704 and engages locking ratchet ring 706 with a plunger-actuated locking wedge pin 709. When push/pull locking wedge pin 709 is engaged with locking ratchet ring 706, locking turret knob assembly 700 is in locked position, as shown in FIG. 7A, thereby rendering index ring 704 unable to be rotated about axis of rotation 707. A spring-loaded wedge pin 710 can also be optionally used so that when locking turret knob assembly 700 is unlocked (i.e., plunger-actuated locking wedge pin 709 is disengaged from locking ratchet 706), an adjustment made by rotating locking turret knob assembly 700 will have a tactile feel. In the unlocked configuration, plunger-actuated locking wedge pin 709 is disengaged from locking ratchet ring 706, and index ring 704 and adjustment assembly 702 can be rotated around axis 707 and spade screw 703 which is fixed from rotation by the lower rectangular portion of the spade screw 703 passing through a slot in the telescopic sight body. Rotation of adjustment nut assembly 702 around spade screw 703 results in a linear movement of spade screw 703 and optical adjustment of the telescopic sight.

FIGS. 8A-8D show different views of the push/pull locking selector 805 that can be used with the locking turret knob assembly 700, shown in FIG. 7A, as an alternative to push un-locking selector 905. In particular, FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view of push/pull locking selector 805 with respect to locking ratchet ring 706. FIG. 8B shows a top view of push/pull locking selector 805 and locking turret knob assembly 700. FIG. 8C shows a side view of push/pull locking selector 805. FIG. 8D shows a cross-sectional view of push/pull locking selector 805 taken along line 8D-8D in FIG. 8C.

Push/pull locking selector 805 includes a selector knob 801, a selector shaft 802 and a circumferential groove 803. When a telescopic sight adjustment is desired, selector knob 801 is grasped and pulled in an outwardly direction along axis 707 (FIG. 7A) from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, circumferential groove 803 of a selector shaft 802 allows plunger-actuated locking wedge pin 709 to drop into circumferential groove 803, thereby disengaging locking wedge pin 709 from locking ratchet 15 ring 706 and allowing index ring 704 to be rotated about axis of rotation 707 (FIG. 7A).

Upon completion of an adjustment, push/pull locking selector 805 is then pushed in an inwardly direction along axis 707 (FIG. 7A) from the unlocked position to the locked position. In the locked position, circumferential groove 803 of locking selector shaft 802 moves below locking wedge pin 809 and selector shaft 802 pushes outwardly on plunger-actuated locking wedge pin 709 to engage plunger-activated locking wedge pin 709 with grooves 711 (FIG. 7A and 8A) of locking ratchet ring 706. Locking ratchet ring 706 is fixedly coupled to turret base plate 701, thereby preventing inadvertent adjustment of index ring 704 and spade screw 703.

FIGS. 9A-9D show different views of the push unlocking selector 705 that can be used with a locking turret knob assembly, such as locking turret knob assembly 700 shown in FIG. 7A. In particular, FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of push unlocking selector 705 with respect to a locking ratchet ring 706. FIG. 9B shows a top view of push unlocking selector 705 and the locking turret knob assembly 700. FIG. 9C shows a side view of push unlocking selector 705. FIG. 9D shows a cross-sectional view of push unlocking selector 705 taken along line 9D-9D in FIG. 9C.

Push unlocking selector 705 includes a push selector knob 901, a selector shaft 902 and a circumferential groove 903. When a telescopic sight adjustment is desired, selector knob 901 is pushed inwardly from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, circumferential groove 903 of a selector shaft 902 moves inward and allows plunger-actuated locking wedge pin 709 to disengage from locking ratchet ring 706 and allows an index ring (not shown) to be rotated about an axis of rotation (not shown).

Upon completion of an adjustment, selector knob 901 is then released from the unlocked position to the locked position. In the locked position selector shaft 902 moves outward thereby moving circumferential groove 903 of selector shaft 902 to move above wedge pin 709. The lower section of selector shaft 902 pushes outwardly on locking wedge pin 709 to engage plunger-activated locking wedge pin 709 with grooves 711 (FIGS. 7A and 9A) of locking ratchet ring 706. Locking ratchet ring 706 is fixedly coupled to a turret base plate (not shown), thereby preventing inadvertent adjustment of the index ring and a spade screw.

FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram 1000 for making a locking turret knob according to one embodiment. An adjustment member is detachably coupled at 1001 to an adjuster, such that the axis of rotation of the adjustment member coincides with the axis of rotation of the adjuster. At 1002, an adjustment member locking mechanism is then coupled to the base for preventing unintended rotation of the adjustment member. With the locking turret knob in the normally locked state, a marksman can unlock the index ring in order to perform an adjustment. When the adjustment member is unlocked, rotating the adjustment member produces an adjustment of the adjuster. At 1003, a spring member, such as a spring, may be provided for producing a biasing force on the adjustment member, thereby rendering the adjustment member normally coupled to the base, i.e., locked. Operator-supplied force counteracting the biasing force uncouples the adjustment member from the base, enabling the operator to effect an adjustment of the adjuster via, e.g., rotating the index ring.

It should be understood that the locking turret knob assemblies described herein can be used as adjustment knobs for a telescopic sight or any other optical-based instrument having adjustment knobs, for example an optical enhancing device such as a lens or microscope, telescope, etc.

Although the foregoing description includes some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments that are within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A firearm sighting device comprising: an adjustment mechanism supported by the sighting device, the adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a setting of the sighting device; and an adjustment knob supported by the sighting device, the adjustment knob comprising: an actuator in operative association with the adjustment mechanism, the actuator including an axis of rotation and an outer surface that is grippable by a user, wherein rotation of the actuator drives the adjustment mechanism to thereby adjust the setting of the sighting device; and a locking mechanism in operative association with the actuator, the locking mechanism including a first portion non-rotatably coupled to the sighting device and a second portion coupled to the actuator such that the second portion rotates about the axis of rotation along with the actuator, the second portion selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions such that when the second portion is in the locked position the first and second portions are engaged so as to restrain the actuator from rotation about the axis of rotation and when the second portion is in the unlocked position the first and second portions are disengaged so that the actuator is rotatable about the axis of rotation for adjusting the setting of the sighting device.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sighting device comprises a telescopic sighting device and the setting comprises an optical setting.
 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein: the adjustment knob further comprises a rotatable member coupled to the actuator such that the rotatable member rotates about the axis of rotation along with the actuator, the rotatable member including a threaded portion centered on the axis of rotation and restrained from traveling linearly along the axis of rotation; and the adjustment mechanism comprises a threaded adjustment member threaded to the rotatable member and restrained from rotating about the axis of rotation so that rotation of the rotatable member about the axis of rotation is translated into linear motion of the threaded adjustment member along the axis of rotation, thereby adjusting the optical setting of the telescopic sighting device.
 4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second portions of the locking mechanism include teeth that are engageable with one another such that the actuator is restrained from rotation about the axis of rotation when the teeth of the first portion engage the teeth of the second portion.
 5. A device according to claim 2, wherein the first portion of the locking mechanism includes a plurality of splines that fit inside corresponding grooves of the second portion of the locking mechanism, the second portion of the locking mechanism includes a plurality of splines that fit inside corresponding grooves of the first portion of the locking mechanism, when the second portion of the locking mechanism is in the locked position the splines of the first and second portions are engaged, and when the second portion of the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position the splines of the first and second portions are not engaged.
 6. A device according to claim 2, wherein one of the first and second portions of the locking mechanism comprise a plurality of apertures, the other one of the first and second portions of the locking mechanism comprise one or more pin members that fit into the plurality of apertures, when the second portion of the locking mechanism is in the locked position the one or more pin members are inserted into one or more of the apertures, and when the second portion of the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position the one or more pin members are not inserted into any of the apertures.
 7. A device according to claim 2, further comprising: a biasing element arranged to bias the second portion of the locking mechanism to the locked position.
 8. A device according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the actuator is configured to be moveable linearly along the axis of rotation between a first axial position at which the second portion of the locking mechanism is in the locked position and a second axial position at which the second portion of the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.
 9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the actuator is configured such that the actuator moves further away from the telescopic sighting device when the actuator transitions from the first axial position to the second axial position, whereby the optical setting of the telescopic sighting device is adjustable by moving the actuator along the axis of rotation away from the telescopic sighting device and rotating the actuator about the axis of rotation.
 10. A device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment knob further comprises: a lock actuator in operative association with the locking mechanism, wherein the lock actuator includes a cam surface aligned with the second portion of the locking mechanism and the lock actuator is rotatable about the axis of rotation between (1) a first rotational position at which the cam surface urges the second portion of the locking mechanism to the locked position and (2) a second rotational position at which the second portion of the locking mechanism is free to move into a recess of the cam surface and thereby into the unlocked position.
 11. A device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment knob further comprises: a lock actuator in operative association with the locking mechanism, wherein the lock actuator includes a circumferential groove disposed in proximity with the second portion of the locking mechanism and the lock actuator is configured to travel linearly along the axis of rotation between (1) a first axial position at which the circumferential groove is aligned with the second portion of the locking mechanism such that the second portion of the locking mechanism is free to move into the circumferential groove and thereby into the unlocked position and (2) a second axial position at which the circumferential groove is not aligned with the second portion of the locking mechanism and the lock actuator urges the second portion of the locking mechanism to the locked position.
 12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the lock actuator is configured such that the lock actuator moves closer to the telescopic sighting device when the lock actuator transitions from the second axial position to the first axial position, whereby the optical setting of the telescopic sighting device is adjustable by moving the lock actuator linearly along the axis of rotation toward the telescopic sighting device and rotating the actuator about the axis of rotation.
 13. A device according to claim 11, wherein the lock actuator is configured such that the lock actuator moves further away from the telescopic sighting device when the lock actuator transitions from the second axial position to the first axial position, whereby the optical setting of the telescopic sighting device is adjustable by moving the lock actuator linearly along the axis of rotation away from the telescopic sighting device and rotating the actuator about the axis of rotation.
 14. A device according to claim 2, wherein the optical setting of the telescopic sighting device comprises one or more of elevation, windage, parallax, and an illuminated reticle power control.
 15. An adjustment knob apparatus for driving an adjustment mechanism of a sighting device, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a setting of the sighting device, the apparatus comprising: a locking member configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the sighting device, wherein the locking member includes a surface having spaced apart engagement features disposed thereon; a rotatable member disposed in proximity to the locking member, wherein the rotatable member includes an axis of rotation and is configured to be in operative association with the adjustment mechanism of the sighting device such that rotation of the rotatable member about the axis of rotation drives the adjustment mechanism to adjust the setting of the sighting device; a pin member coupled to the rotatable member such that the pin member rotates about the axis of rotation along with the rotatable member, wherein at least a portion of the pin member is configured to fit the spaced apart engagement features disposed on the locking member and the pin member is moveable between (1) a locked position in which at least a portion of the pin member engages one or more of the spaced apart engagement features such that the rotatable member is restrained from rotation about the axis of rotation and (2) an unlocked position in which the pin member disengages the spaced apart engagement features so that the rotatable member is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the locking member for adjusting the setting of the sighting device; and an actuator in operative association with the pin member, wherein the actuator is configured to cause the pin member to move to the unlocked position in response to an external force applied to the actuator.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the sighting device comprises a telescopic sighting device and the setting comprises an optical setting.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the rotatable member includes a threaded portion centered on the axis of rotation, the rotatable member is restrained from traveling linearly along the axis of rotation, and the adjustment mechanism of the telescopic sighting device comprises a threaded adjustment member configured to be threaded to the rotatable member and restrained from rotating about the axis of rotation so that rotation of the rotatable member about the axis of rotation is translated into linear motion of the threaded adjustment mechanism along the axis of rotation, thereby adjusting the optical setting of the telescopic sighting device.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the spaced apart engagement features comprise spline structures.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: a biasing element configured to bias the actuator toward the locked position.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the pin member is disposed parallel to the axis of rotation and the actuator is configured to be moveable linearly along the axis of rotation between (1) a first axial position in which the pin member is in the locked position and (2) a second axial position in which the pin member is in the unlocked position.
 21. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the pin member is disposed transverse to the axis of rotation.
 22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the actuator includes a cam surface aligned with the pin member and the actuator is rotatable about the axis of rotation between (1) a first rotational position at which the cam surface urges the pin member to the locked position and (2) a second rotational position at which the pin member is free to move into a recess of the cam surface and thereby into the unlocked position.
 23. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the actuator includes a circumferential groove disposed in proximity with the pin member and the actuator is configured to travel linearly along the axis of rotation between (1) a first axial position at which the circumferential groove is aligned with the pin member such that the pin member is free to move into the circumferential groove and thereby into the unlocked position and (2) a second axial position at which the circumferential groove is not aligned with the pin member and the actuator urges the pin member to the locked position.
 24. An apparatus for driving an adjustment mechanism of a sighting device, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a setting of the sighting device, the apparatus comprising: a locking member configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the sighting device, wherein the locking member includes a surface having a first set of spaced apart engagement features disposed thereon; a rotatable member disposed in proximity to the locking member, wherein the rotatable member includes an axis of rotation and is configured to be in operative association with the adjustment mechanism of the sighting device such that rotation of the rotatable member about the axis of rotation drives the adjustment mechanism to adjust the setting of the sighting device; and an actuator coupled to the rotatable member such that the actuator rotates about the axis of rotation along with the rotatable member, wherein the actuator includes a surface having disposed thereon a second set of spaced apart engagement features configured to be engageable with the first set of spaced apart engagement features and the actuator is configured to be moveable linearly along the axis of rotation between (1) a locked axial position in which the first and second sets of spaced apart engagement features are engaged such that the rotatable member is restrained from rotation about the axis of rotation and (2) an unlocked axial position in which the first and second sets of spaced apart engagement features are disengaged such that the rotatable member is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the locking member, whereby an external force applied to the actuator causes the actuator to move to the unlocked axial position so that the actuator is rotatable about the axis of rotation for adjusting the setting of the sighting device.
 25. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the sighting device comprises a telescopic sighting device and the setting comprises an optical setting.
 26. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the rotatable member includes a threaded portion centered on the axis of rotation, the rotatable member is restrained from traveling linearly along the axis of rotation, and the adjustment mechanism of the telescopic sighting device comprises a threaded adjustment member configured to be threaded to the rotatable member and restrained from rotating about the axis of rotation so that rotation of the rotatable member about the axis of rotation is translated into linear motion of the threaded adjustment member along the axis of rotation, thereby adjusting the optical setting of the telescopic sighting device.
 27. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the first and second sets of spaced apart engagement features comprise spline structures.
 28. An apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising: a biasing element configured to bias the actuator toward the locked axial position.
 29. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the actuator is configured such that the actuator moves further away from the telescopic sighting device when the actuator transitions from the locked axial position to the unlocked axial position, whereby the optical setting of the telescopic sighting device is adjustable by moving the actuator linearly along the axis of rotation away from the telescopic sighting device and rotating the actuator about the axis of rotation. 